Motif
Motif

Movie spotlight

Motif

2019
Movie
86 min
Malay

Motif focuses on a police investigation and its most obvious innovation is the female perspective that the director imposes. Protagonist Dewi (Sharifah Amani) is a police officer who is sent from the capital of Kuala Lumpur to a provincial area, Tanah Merah (lit. “Red Earth”), to investigate the disappearance of the young daughter of the local community’s richest family. From the beginning, her arrival is greeted with distrust by her male colleagues, who are doubly annoyed by the fact of having an outsider who is also a woman intrude in the community.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users75%
Director: Victor MasquelierGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A detective investigates a series of seemingly unrelated murders that all bear a striking, symbolic resemblance. As the body count rises, he must unravel the intricate pattern connecting the victims before the killer strikes again. The investigation leads him down a dark path, forcing him to confront his own inner demons.

Critical Reception

Motif received a mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences. While praised for its atmospheric tension and stylish direction, some found the plot convoluted and the ending unsatisfying. It gained a cult following for its unique visual style and neo-noir elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its moody cinematography and gripping suspense.

  • Criticized for an overly complex narrative that struggles to maintain coherence.

  • Some reviewers found the performances compelling, particularly the lead.

  • The film's artistic ambition was noted, though not always successfully executed.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's dark and stylish presentation, with many finding the central mystery intriguing. However, a significant portion of viewers expressed confusion over the plot's complexity and felt the resolution didn't quite live up to the build-up.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Fun Fact

The recurring visual motif of a specific geometric shape throughout the film was designed by the director to represent the killer's obsession with order and pattern.

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